Steve McClaren has quit his role as head coach Eredivisie side FC Twente following a run of poor results, that lead to criticism from the fans and Dutch media. The split comes after a 2-1 defeat at Heerenveen left Twente, who won the title under the former England manager in 2010, fifth in the Dutch league.

McClaren held talks with the club’s president Joop Munsterman over the weekend but failed to receive the assurances for which he had hoped. The 51-year-old, who was in his second spell in charge at the Stadium De Grolsch Veste, said: “After the defeat to Heerenveen on Saturday, I met the president on Sunday. We tried to find a solution to the difficult period the team has endured over the last four weeks.

“We discussed the expectations of the club, how European qualification was key each season and finishing in the top four. Despite being joint top at the winter break and even second four weeks ago, recent results and performances have seen major criticism, protest and demonstration from the supporters and the media.

“We talked about how we could change the situation and relieve the pressure on the team which has clearly affected its performance. Unfortunately, Saturday’s result has seen further adverse reactions and with two home games coming up, we feel the team needs the support and backing from the supporters.

“I also needed assurances about my position now and in the future, which I appreciate in the present situation is difficult. After much discussion and deliberation, those assurances weren’t forthcoming and we have agreed it’s in the best interest of the club going forward that I leave.

“The club is bigger than any one individual and Twente is too big in my heart to stand in the way of its progress. I leave with the team with 10 games to go, still able to achieve its expectations of a top-four finish, which I am positive they will do.

“I leave a proud man to have managed Twente. It has brought me many good memories and one of the greatest days in my career when winning the title in 2010. The support received from the club, staff, players and fans has always been much appreciated and I leave sad and disappointed it has ended in these circumstances, but wish the staff and the team success in the future.”

McClaren leaves with Twente only a point adrift of Vitesse Arnhem in fourth place and a further five behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven. They have not won a game since a 3-0 victory at AZ Alkmaar on 21 December, a run of six games either side of the mid-season break in which they have collected only four points from a possible 18.

Munsterman said the decision to leave the club rested with McClaren and that he was disappointed to see the manager leave. “We believe that the disappointing performance of FC Twente under Steve McClaren could be reversed,” the president said. “Steve has however indicated that it is in the interest of everyone to leave the club immediately. We understand his decision and respect it. It is disappointing to say goodbye to the trainer under whose leadership FC Twente won the league title in 2010.”

Alfred Schreuder takes over on a temporary basis, assisted by coaches Boudewijn Pahlplatz and Youri Mulder.

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